attempt

[uh-tempt] / əˈtɛmpt /

NOUN

try, effort

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attack bid endeavor experiment pursuit shot struggle try

STRONG

crack exertion fling go header lick stab striving trial tryout undertaking venture whack workout

WEAK

all one's got dry run one's all one's darnedest one's level best

Antonyms

STRONGEST

retreat surrender

WEAK

certainty laziness success

VERB

try, make effort

Synonyms

STRONGEST

pursue seek solicit tackle undertake

STRONG

aim attack endeavor essay experiment push strive venture

WEAK

do level best exert oneself give a fling give a whirl give best shot give it a go give it a try give old college try go the limit have a crack have a go at make a run at shoot the works take a stab at take best shot take on try one's hand at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forget neglect

STRONG

be idle

WEAK

be lazy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The attempt went relatively smoothly, she explains, apart from a "nightmarish" section when cleaning a kid's playground at four in the morning where the game's bright primary colours affected her in "a very psychedelic way".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

This appeared to be an attempt by the ships to avoid being targeted by Iran.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A raid to seize the enriched uranium, in what Kavanagh speculates is an attempt to “embarrass” Iran into submission, the operation would face a slew of problems.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Any such operation, if ordered, would risk significant casualties, considering that Iran relies on drones, missiles and small speedboats to strike vessels that attempt to defy its blockade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Repeating his first attempt by just coming up to her and saying hello didn’t seem wise.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

attempt

Example Sentences

Related Words